Understanding how herpesviruses assemble and package their genetic material
Official title: Under Pressure: Biophysical Mapping of Herpesvirus Capsid Assembly and Genome Packaging
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10685823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how herpesviruses put themselves together and make copies of their genetic material, which is especially important for people with weakened immune systems, to help find better treatments for these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,367,863 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2GM154151-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10685823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are immunocompromised or have conditions that may lead to herpesvirus reactivation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have herpesvirus infections or are not at risk for reactivation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the assembly and genome packaging of herpesviruses, which are common viruses that can cause serious health issues, especially in immunocompromised individuals. By developing advanced biophysical techniques, the project aims to observe these processes in real-time, providing insights into how these viruses replicate. The goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind capsid assembly, which is crucial for the development of effective antiviral therapies. This work could lead to new treatments that target multiple types of herpesviruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral therapies that effectively combat herpesvirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on herpesviruses, this approach focusing on real-time biophysical mapping of capsid assembly is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Draganova, Elizabeth Bennett — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Draganova, Elizabeth Bennett
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.